On January 1, 2025, multiple new laws are set to take effect in Louisiana. Those laws impact different fields including unemployment benefits, seafood labeling, hemp-derived THC products, voter registration, and state corporate income taxes. A total of 32 new laws that were approved by state lawmakers will affect the residents of Louisiana in different ways.

Regulations concerning Louisiana’s hemp industry will undergo changes. These changes involve the modification of serving sizes for THC products derived from hemp like seltzers and gummies, raising the age requirement to buy hemp-THC products from 18 to 21. In addition, the changes will ban the sale of hemp products at gas stations and the sale of flower hemp products.

Further changes are being implemented in the unemployment benefits sphere. The maximum duration for unemployment benefits has been curtailed to only 20 weeks instead of 26. This also involves a sliding scale, basing the duration a jobless individual can access benefits on the present unemployment rate in the state. For instance, if the state’s unemployment rate is 5% or less, the benefits are limited to 12 weeks max. To reach the 20-week cap, the state’s unemployment rate must be 8.5% or higher.

In terms of voter registration, new rules stipulate that Louisiana voters need to provide proof of their citizenship when applying to vote. Also, new regulations have been put in place to promote seafood labeling transparency.

Moreover, Act 5 modifies Louisiana’s corporate income taxes, transitioning to a single 5.5% rate from the previous 7.5%. Another law extends the 25% discount on automobile insurance policies currently enjoyed by active-duty military personnel to reservists, retired military, and some veterans.

Regulations have also been implemented concerning ankle monitoring companies, requiring them to register with law enforcement and provide monthly reports of the defendants they supervise.

In summary, these new laws are set to bring changes in various sectors in Louisiana, including but not limited to unemployment benefits, seafood labeling, hemp industry, voter registration, state corporate income taxes, and more. It is important for the residents of the state to be aware and understand the implications and changes these laws bring. Finally, while these changes are significant, understanding how to navigate unemployment benefits and insurance policies is crucial. Anyone needing to get through to the EDD (Employment Development Department) regarding employment benefits can find support at eddcaller.com, a service created to streamline communication with the department. This tools is dedicated to helping users understand their new rights and how to effectively claim their benefits.